Anelka expected to accept five game quenelle ban

West Bromwich Albion player Nicolas Anelka will accept the five game ban
handed down to him by the Football Association's independent
disciplinary commission for his antisemitic quenelle gesture, according
to reports.

The Telegraph claimed Anelka and his lawyers had decided to accept the
verdict after receiving the commission's written reasons, which have yet
to be made public.

However, if the FA appeals the decision by the independent three-person
panel, it is thought that Anelka's legal team will have to respond to
that appeal.

The FA is also currently studying the written reasons and is expected to
release a statement later today.

But the Telegraph also said it was unlikely the FA would "gamble" on
appealing the ruling, given that the quenelle gesture was unknown to
most in Britain before Anelka's gesture in December.

West Bromwich Albion is said to be conducting its own internal
investigation into Anelka's actions and could impose additional fines on
the player or even ban him to the end of the season. His contract at the
club is set to expire at the end of the Premier League campaign.